Frequently Asked Soccer Questions
What is youth soccer?
Youth soccer allows kids to learn about and to participate in the game of soccer. Our soccer complex consists of small, medium, modified, and full sized fields to support the widely accepted practice of starting younger players in small-sided games. These small-sided games encourage kids to participate by “touching” the ball more often. As they get older, they will progress to larger fields and bigger teams until they are playing full field, regulation games. Our program also includes a very successful girls program with teams beginning with the Under-7 and Under-8 girls’ age group.
How much time does soccer require?
Teams practice once each week for about 1 hour. They will play one game each week on Saturdays. Games for younger teams last about 1 hour. Older teams will play for slightly longer times. A parent or guardian is required to supervise their kids at all practices and games. Occasional coverage at the concession stand is also required.
When are games held?
Games are every Saturday, usually between the hours of 8:30am and 2pm.
When are practices held?
Practices can be on any weeknight, although Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the most popular nights. Practice times are usually 5:00pm to 6:00pm or 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Where are games and practices held?
The youngest teams play all of their games at the Airport soccer fields. Older teams will have games at our Rockingham soccer fields, and may play some intra-town games at Poughkeepsie, East Fishkill, LaGrange, and Beekman. Practices can be at the Airport or Rockingham fields depending on the coach.
What do we need to buy?
You must purchase a good pair of sneakers (cleats are optional, but many kids wear them), shin guards, and a soccer ball. Under-5 through Under-7 players will use a size 3 soccer ball. Under-8 through Under-12 players will use a size 4 soccer ball. Under-13 and older players will use a size 5 (adult) ball. Also, all players should have a water bottle at all games and practices.
When does the season start and end?
The Fall season typically starts the first Saturday after Labor Day, with the first practice taking place the week or two before, depending on the coach of an individual team. It will end in mid-November with the kids playing a total of 9 or 10 games (weather permitting). The Spring season starts in April, with the first practice taking place the week before the first game. It will end in late June with the kids playing a total of 9 or 10 games (weather permitting).
What do I do if my child is uncertain about playing soccer?
You can bring your child out to the Airport Soccer fields any Saturday morning and show them the fields and other kids playing soccer. This may help them decide if they would like to play. Help will also be available at the soccer fields as noted on the Registration page to the left.
Do you need coaches?
The entire Wappingers United Soccer Club is run by volunteers, and we rely on parents volunteering as coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers to keep the club operating. Experience playing or coaching soccer is preferred, but not necessary. The club will help train new coaches who lack soccer experience. There is a “Volunteer Information” section on the registration form where you can offer 2-3 hours per week to help a bunch of great kids have fun and learn about soccer. If you are interested in volunteering, you can also click on the link below and send a note to the club registrar:
What do I do if the weather does not look good for a practice or game?
Please look at your emails before you leave to go to the fields this is our primary way of sending out information to the club on cancellations and field closures. We will also post on the website which field is or isn't open.
Who do I contact for the youth and recreation programs?
Dana Garner: youth director [email protected]
Meghann Hardesty: rec/intramural director [email protected]
Where do I find the basics rules of the game?
Youth academy tab-hold cursor over it then a drop down menu appears. Click on the youth rules/guidance or the game
Where do I find information about the programs?
Youth: Youth academy tab-hold cursor over it to get a drop down menu and then click the age group you are looking for. For overall information just click on the youth academy tab
Rec/Intramural: Click on the tab on the website
Travel: Travel tab
What is WUSC travel program? How do I find out more information? Who do I contact?
Travel soccer is a program that takes the game to the next level in skill and commitment. Players have to tryout for the team and be chosen to play. Tryouts are scheduled sometime in April and May for the following fall/spring season. Emails go out to remind them of tryouts along with it being posted on our site and social media.
Click on the travel tab for more info. Comittment is 2 days of practice and Sunday game. Registration is done on a different site not on the wusc.org site. Look below of info on registering if you have been asked to participate on one of our teams. Registration must be done by June 25 or before the end of June (coaches will let you know)
Contact info for travel: Melinda Bobnick: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Registration Questions
When is soccer registration?
Our Annual Registration for the Fall through Spring soccer seasons is held in May and early June. Registration details are available on the Registration link.
How do I register my child for travel if they made the team?
How do I register my kids for soccer?
Fill in the registration form on-line and pay by credit card on-line or mail a check to the address shown on the form. There are no mail-in forms this year — you must use on-line registration. Help will be available at the Airport Soccer fields. Please check the registration home page on the left for available dates and times.
How do I get a registration form?
There are no registration forms; You must use on-line registration.
If you are unable to register on-line, please contact the Registrar
How much does soccer cost?
The registration fee for soccer is $155. This includes both the fall and spring seasons.
Where do I send my check?
Mail the check to the address shown on-line: WUSC Registration PO Box 120 Wappingers Falls NY 12590.
When will I hear if my child is successfully registered?
You will receive an e-mail confirmation when you have successfully registered. You can also logon to the registration website and check the “Family Information” to see if you have successfully registered.
When will I hear from my child’s coach?
You should receive a call from the coach in late August or early September. First practice should be in late August or early September. The first game should be the first Saturday after Labor Day. Additional details will be available from the coach when he/she calls or on the Intramural link to the left.
Can I register late?
Yes. Late fees apply starting in mid-June, as per the information on the registration page. Late fees are waived if a family has just moved to the area or for parents of children in the Under-5 age group. Note that Late Registrations can create large teams, can reduce playing time for the kids, and can create “waiting lists” that cause some kids to miss playing for an entire soccer season.
Please register in May or early June so we have enough room for all kids to play!
What do I do if my child is uncertain about playing soccer?
You can bring your child out to the Airport Soccer fields any Saturday morning in the spring and show them the fields and other kids playing soccer. This may help them decide if they would like to play. Help will also be available at the soccer fields as noted on the Registration page to the left.
Do you need coaches?
The entire Wappingers United Soccer Club is run by volunteers, and we rely on parents volunteering as coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers to keep the club operating. Experience playing or coaching soccer is preferred, but not necessary. The club will help train new coaches who lack soccer experience. There is a “Volunteer Information” section on the registration form where you can offer 2-3 hours per week to help a bunch of great kids have fun and learn about soccer. If you are interested in volunteering, you can also click on the link below and send a note to the club registrar: